These are just what they're rated. Obviously, it can differ drastically depending on how much the camera is used/abused. If you have it cleaned and tuned annually like you're supposed to, supposedly it can last waaaaay longer than they're rated.

This discussion my provide you with more info. I couldn't tell you anything about any of the other brands though.

Thanks for the Tips Jerry & the rest. I didn`t knew were to begin asking questions so I decided to start with an open one... Thanks for taking the time to explain this.

For what I have undertood looks like what is going to die earlier is the shutter mechanism. In other way; the mechanical parts are gonna fail sooner than the electronic ones, right? (I mean, in a general way).

Looks like the price is also an important issue. A better(more$$) camera should last longer. Right?

filipdabrowski wrote:Which DSLR? Not all DSLR's are built equal.

Let`s say a Tipical Digital Rebel... Should it last the same as the film ones? (wich could mean that it will last a 10 times less if you shoot --let`s say-- 10 times more with digital)

A friend of mine, who owned the 300D (Digital Rebel), had the shutter fail on him after 15,000 shots. You have to understand that the 300D is not a top grade camera and the materials that Canon used are a little cheaper than on the more expensive bodies like the 10D, 20D, etc. My friend was actually surprised by this...but that's normal wear and tear. At the end of the day it gave him the chance to upgrade to the 20D without the wife getting angry about it. Anyway, with about 15,000 shots the camera paid for itself quite nicely (compared to the film Rebel where one must think about processing, etc.). But also you have to think about the fact that even when talking about a 300D not all of them are equal...some were made better than others and some, I think, may have had some faults right out of the factory that you, the buyer, don't know about. It's all subjective. Just shoot, don't think about it too much and when the day comes when the shutter (or something else) fails...than it is time for a new camera.

No problem. Although I hate to say it, I think it's almost always true in general for anything - including cameras - that the "more expensive," the "better."

Remember, when we're buying our Digital Rebels and even our 20Ds, we are buying consumer grade cameras. Not professional models like the Mark II. $150-300 is sounds about right for a Canon shutter replacement though.

Here's an interesting perspective though. I say if you're worrying about blowing out your shutter, you're not using your camera enough

Hugh, the file naming system of digital cameras normally shows it (or is it some number code in EXIF data). I can't remember the URL but I read on one website how to read all those numbering on photos taken with Canon DSLRs. You can tell how many shutter cycle the camera has done from it.

framewerkz wrote:What worries me is the *sound* of the shutter (mirror slap?) of the new 20D. That much noise means that something in there is smashing against something else with some force...

Im the proud owner of a 20D. That loudness also pertains to the 1D series. Its the gearing of the mirror, and i also checked. it hits nothing when the mirror moves. just shoot it in bulb mode and check around the mirror. I was thinking this about my insanly loud A1's, then i just checked them and they were fine!